2022 was a record-breaking year for Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales, and The Common Good is so excited to share that those records tumbled in 2023. (And we couldn’t have done it without you!)
It’s no secret that the Ekka Strawberry Sundae is an icon loved by so many, and in 2023, showgoers proved just how sought-after this much-loved dessert still is.
From the very first day of the show, sales of the sweet treats skyrocketed. Last year, we sold a record 127,110 strawberry sundaes. This year, sales were up an unbelievable 18 per cent on that figure.
Not only were the sunny August days with soaring temperatures ideal for ice cream, but Brisbane showgoers forked out for the treat that supports a berry good cause.
Strawberry Sundae Sales: 2023 Ekka Snapshot
Throughout the 9-day event, showgoers devoured over 150,000 Strawberry Sundaes, with 21,783 ice creams sold on People’s Day alone.
- 150,287 Strawberry Sundaes sold
- 7 tonnes of strawberries
- Around 28,000L of locally produced ice-cream
- 375kg of cream
Demand was so high that The Common Good had to reach out mid-Ekka to Lick Ice Cream, the Brisbane-based, family-owned business responsible for creating the much-savoured ice cream.
“We were on track to exceed our 2023 Ekka expectations, so our good friends at Lick were able to start making another batch of their famous ice cream so that we could ensure we wouldn’t run out,” said Chloe Nguyen, General Manager, Marketing and Memberships at The Common Good.
Sales support research into silicosis
In 2023, the money raised from this phenomenal feat will support around 4,100 hours of research into silicosis – a progressive and incurable lung disease.
The profits will support our researchers in their search to uncover the answers behind silicosis and give hope to Aussie tradies and their families affected,” Chloe said.
Along with the incredible impact of the Ekka Strawberry Sundaes, there are many reasons why these desserts are so special. Read more about these beloved treats here.
Volunteers are the secret to our success
Such a successful amount of scooping, chopping and topping takes an army of Scooper Heroes.
In 2023, we had 1,750 volunteers who donated close to 8,000 volunteering hours to ensure we could deliver the much-loved treat to showgoers.
One of them was Yvonne. 2023 marked her 10th year volunteering at The Common Good’s Ekka Strawberry Sundae sales.
“My husband was born with a heart condition and has had multiple open-heart surgeries at The Prince Charles Hospital, including as late as 18 months ago. He was given 6 months to live, but he’s still with us today. After his last surgery, he had delirium which was really stressful for us all. I know The Common Good helped with the two redesigned ICU bedspaces at the hospital, which will make a big difference. I’m so grateful to the hospital and to The Common Good for all they do; it’s helped keep my husband here today. Volunteering each year is my way of giving back,” she said.
To everyone who purchased a sundae or volunteered their time at this year’s Ekka, we thank you so much for your support.
